Zimbabwe Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Zimbabwe's trade openness was 43.87% in 2025, ranked 157th globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's trade openness stood at 43.87% in 2025, a rise of +2.38% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 43.87% by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 157th globally.
Zimbabwe’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has fallen from an early‑record 47.20 in 1975 to a 2025 value of 43.87, placing the country 157th worldwide. The metric reached its all‑time high of 109.52 in 2008, a period when hyperinflation and massive currency devaluation temporarily spurred a surge in both import and export flows. The lowest point occurred in 1983 at 35.92, reflecting the restrictive trade policies of the early post‑independence era. Over the 51‑year span, Zimbabwe’s openness has remained modest, closely aligning with peers such as the Central African Republic (43.71) and Egypt (43.47), and trailing Kenya (45.10) and Tanzania (45.14). The recent decline from the 2008 peak suggests that structural constraints, including limited foreign exchange and persistent policy uncertainty, continue to dampen external sector integration. If reforms improve access to foreign currency and reduce tariff barriers, the upward trajectory in trade openness could resume.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 43.62% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 43.74% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 43.87% | - | - |
| 2025 | 43.87% | +2.38% | #157 |
| 2024 | 41.49% | +1.20% | #21 |
| 2023 | 40.29% | −14.78% | #14 |
| 2022 | 55.07% | +10.95% | #40 |
| 2021 | 44.11% | +3.94% | #27 |
| 2020 | 40.18% | −5.93% | #25 |
| 2019 | 46.11% | −8.44% | #29 |
| 2018 | 54.55% | −0.48% | #41 |
| 2017 | 55.03% | +3.81% | #48 |
| 2016 | 51.22% | −5.53% | #42 |
| 2015 | 56.75% | +2.08% | #51 |
| 2014 | 54.67% | −3.98% | #40 |
| 2013 | 58.66% | −15.51% | #47 |
| 2012 | 74.16% | −15.30% | #69 |
| 2011 | 89.47% | +6.34% | #101 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's trade openness was 43.87% in 2025. Ranked 157th globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's trade openness peaked at 109.52% in 2008.
The lowest trade openness in Zimbabwe was 35.92% in 1983.
Zimbabwe ranks 157th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's trade openness is projected to reach 43.87% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 43.87%. This ranks 157th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_trade-openness,
title = {Zimbabwe Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}